Why use DREAM?
DREAM creates customized survey applications to be utilized alone, or in conjunction with different data collection methodologies. These can work in parallel with external sensors or be integrated with other technologies.
Although these methods do not necessarily require the use of technology, advances in mobile technology (e.g., cell phones, smartphones, ambulatory physiological monitoring devices, wearable monitoring devices, etc.) have greatly improved the range and ease of data collection.
Assessment (EMA) or Experience Sampling
This method allows participants to report on symptoms, affect, behavior, and preferences close in time to the experience. The participant reports can be self-initiated or triggered by a random phone “beep” or at pre-established interval beeps.
Ecological Momentary Intervention (EMI)
Psychosocial and behavioral treatments can be extended to individuals as they go about their daily lives. Mobile technology can facilitate the integration of assessment and intervention methodology to create dynamically changing personal interventions.
Daily Diary Techniques
Daily diary methods involve repeated self-reports to capture events, reflections, moods, health status, or interactions close to the actual occurrence. Diary entries could be triggered by events or at pre-established intervals.
Ambulatory Monitoring of Physiological Function
This could include heart rate, blood pressure and respiration monitoring, or other physiological functions as technologies advance.
Physical Activity or Movement Monitoring
This could include ambulatory distance traveled, number of steps, rate of activity, or overall distance traveled as measured with GPS technology.
Assessment of Ambient Environmental Parameters
This type of assessment could be used to evaluate natural or manufactured environmental preferences and the impacts on behavior and well-being.
DREAM is not limited to the methodologies defined above and we are committed to continual expansion of the services we provide in order to improve research and optimize data collection.